The second book in the Creek Canyon series is out and exceeding all expectations!! I loved Erin and Matt's story. Catherine Bybee blends friendship, sexiness, loyalty and edge of your seat intrigue into a fantastic book you don't want to miss. Erin is starting over in the Creek Canyon area, hiding a violent past from her soon to be ex-husband. Matt has been smitten from the first moment he met her and while she doesn't want anything beyond friendship, he gives that, patience, and so much more. Both characters were wonderful!

5 stars!! I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down! The romance was sweet and wonderful. Matt was such a great guy to be so careful with Erin. I could actually feel the romance as they fell in love. I thought the author did a great job handling a tough topic of domestic abuse. That’s a tough topic to tackle! I enjoyed the fact that Erin felt loved by Matt’s family. In my opinion, you can go wrong with a Catherine Bybee book. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Montlake Romance for an honest review**

First of all it should be noted that this book may be a trigger for some as it deals with domestic abuse and the events that follow Erin as she is clawing her way back a year after escaping from her husband.

The author has written the book really well. You get all the emotion and stress behind Erin as she copes with the aftermath and has Matt feeling protective towards her as he can tell from his job that she has been conditioned to react like she does. He slowly gains her trust and confidence to the point where she finally opens up to someone, which ends up being a blessing and helping her to get even stronger.

We get to see more of the characters from book one, namely Parker and Colin, Grace, Austin and Mallory. Again they are all great supporting characters and help and rally when needed.

The book is certainly hard to put down as you just want to see Erin getting a happy ever after with Matt and that Desmond, Erins ex husband, gets the karma he deserves.

I am really happy that in the next book we get to see Grace have a happy ending, as in this book, you can sense her loneliness and almost resigned to being alone after all the toads she has so far found.

This is a book that certainly brought a sensitive subject up well and did a brilliant job at keeping it light enough to enjoy, but deep enough to really feel for all of those people who live through abuse.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. I have read the first book in this series so was excited to be able to read the second. I am a big fan of Catherine Bybee; I loved her First Wives series and Weekday Brides series. I love how the characters intertwine in the books but can still be read as stand alone books.

This book follows Erin, a work from home editor, and Matt, a firefighter. Erin is living on a newly met friend's property (Parker who is the main character in book 1). She is running from an ex who is/was abusive and has a completely new identity. She is finally starting to open up to others and let people in. She is making new friends and learning to trust. Matt met Erin through Parker also and realizes pretty quickly that she has a shaky past. He does everything he can earn her trust and show her that he is a different man than her ex. And trust is going to be needed when her identity is compromised.

This book is very well written and does a great job of hitting topics that are sensitive. I would recommend any of Bybee's works. I love the romantic aspect but also that there is more to the books than just hooking up.

HJ Top Pick!!!

In Home to Me (Canyon Creek #2) by Catherine Bybee, Santa Clarita, California has become Erin Fleming's sanctuary after living a hellish life under the thumb of her ex. Not only is the location gorgeous and the perfect place to hideaway in a cute little guesthouse, but she's met some rather lovely people. Including her landlord Parker Sinclair. Now that Parker has fallen in love with Colin Hudson, both he and his hunky firefighter brother Matt hang around the Sinclair ranch all the time. Something that kind of freaks Erin out, if she's being honest. Because as leery as she is of men now, she has the feeling that Matt's one of the good guys. And with their intense chemistry, she could too easily fall for him--which could put them all in harm's way.

Being a firefighter means that Matt is typically the guy who runs to the rescue when things get tough. And gets a shot of adrenaline while doing so. But he never really thought about being the white knight when it comes to his love life. As soon as Matt feels his attraction to lovely Erin and recognizes the signs that she's been abused in some way, though, those protective instincts come roaring to the forefront. And before long, Matt is finding any way possible to show Erin that what they have between them is the start of something special. Just as they're finding their footing as a new couple, her past catches up with her. With Erin scared and ready to bolt, Matt must prove he can keep her safe as the danger becomes all too real.
Talk about an emotional journey! Home to Me pulled everything I love about Catherine Bybee's writing into one novel: snappy dialogue, complicated backgrounds, new beginnings, perfectly imperfect characters, and oh so satisfying romance.

I'm loving how much the setting of Santa Clarita gives Catherine Bybee to work with and how well the awesome cast she created for this Canyon Creek series meshes together. I was invested in each of their personal stories right away. Especially with our heroine Erin. You can read her story as a standalone but if you've read book one, My Way to You, then you already know she suffered some form of abuse and is basically in hiding. I won't sugarcoat it: the heartbreaking details about Erin's former life will be tough for some readers. As will one final scene at the end of this book. But to see how Erin takes charge of the narrative and stands strong? Now that's the type of empowering storyline I cherish--something that I think Bybee excels at.

Matt, our hero, well first off he's a firefighter. I mean...how can you not swoon a little, right? But to find out that he was every bit as dreamy, upstanding, protective, sexy, and kind as he appeared in book one was even more swoon-worthy to me. Matt was everything Erin needed in her life. As was his steadfast brother Colin and Parker, Colin's kickass girlfriend (and Erin's landlord). What a terrific mix of personalities and down-to-earth people. The teasing between them all was a hoot. Particularly Matt drawing Erin out of her shell, flirting, building their connection and proving he could be trusted. Their slow burn romance just hit me right in the feels and didn't let go.

A novel about getting rid of the past and starting over, Home to Me was dramatic, utterly heartfelt, and had an incredibly beautiful romance that felt so right it seemed like it was fated. Highly recommended.

This story captured my heart with the patience and care that the hero exhibits as he gently works to win the heroine’s heart. Never before have I met a book hero that knew exactly what was needed to help heal his woman while making a place for himself in her life. Matt has definitely earned a place on my favorite hero list and it’s going to be a while before another can outshine him.


This is written with so much heart as Erin is showcased by this author as being first a victim before moving into a survivor. But she’s barely surviving until new friends and Matt bring a support system that helps her to step into warrior mode. Watching this change was absolutely beautiful. The fact that it revolved around her strength made it all the more wonderful.


While there isn’t a lot of drama, this has a fast pace as Matt and Erin’s relationship develops. Once I started reading I could not stop. I loved this couple so much. The drama that is sprinkled throughout was just enough to keep me on edge about what would happen. Secondary characters are revisited and some of them were more fully developed which makes me hopeful they will get their own books.


I gotta recommend this one to anyone who loves a hero that will win your heart with his careful ways, fun personality, and gentle heart and a heroine that grows in emotional strength throughout the story.

Continuing with the Creek Canyon saga this story is well-written with interesting characters and kept my interest until the end. Maybe not as good as previous books but still a solid read. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

4 1/2 Stars!

We met Erin in the first book Canyon Creek when she rented the guest house on the Sinclair’s property. I knew then that she had a humdinger of a story to tell and this book does not disappoint. I loved how Erin grew more confident in herself as she opened up and let people into her life ... especially Matt.

Matt ... what can I say ... a hunky firefighter who didn’t give up easily on the things he wanted. And what he wanted most was Erin. I loved how patient he was with Erin even before he knew she was abused by her soon-to-be ex-husband.

The beginning of the book is a sweet look at two people falling in love. Then it goes to the lust filled nights between two lovers and the last part of the book had me on the edge of my seat. The flow of the book is well thought out and the banter between the characters is very realistic. A great addition to the series. Next up is Grace’s story ... and I can’t wait to read it!

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Erin Fleming is Parker Sinclair's quiet tenant who sought to rent out a peaceful and private place about a year ago in the previous book, My Way To You. Erin has offered very little personal information about her past and from what Parker could surmise, it's not a pretty one. Now Erin's story is revealed in Home to Me. Since Parker and Colin Hudson are now a couple, Colin's brother, Matt, has met Erin and she has more than peaked his interest. Matt works for the fire department so he is not afraid of danger and he's also very perceptive. He can read Erin's body language and knows that she is apprehensive about certain things and suspects that there could be some previous abuse, too. While Erin cannot deny the attraction between them, she has too much baggage to be able to indulge in any kind of budding relationship with anyone without there being any major consequences to suffer. Matt is not easily deterred because he senses Erin's curiosity but also hesitation so being the patient guy that he is, he moves at a pace that Erin can work with, steadily standing by her every step of the way.

I loved how Matt was so understanding and reasonable, the exact opposite of what Erin had dealt with in her last relationship and she wasn't used to someone letting her take the lead. Moreover, as Erin begins to trust and love the people around her, she is opening up little by little and letting people in. With everyone caring about her unconditionally, this also paves the way for Erin to become stronger than the fearful woman she used to be. She also comes to the startling realization that she doesn't have to keep running away and facing danger alone, that there's an entire team of people who stand behind her and refuse to let her get hurt, especially Matt. I definitely wanted Erin to see that there was more to life than hiding and isolation and that she doesn't have to give up her dreams. The woman she became in the end was someone she could be proud of. As a bonus, there's more about Parker and Colin in this book as far as moving forward with their own happiness.

I just love Matt. So patient and persistent all at the same time.
He sees the signs, he knows Erin has been thru something traumatic and yet he watches and waits. Seeing her sly glances and brief flushes when he touches her. If he can just get the truth out of her and break thru her barriers he knows they will have something great.
Erin doesn't want this. Doesn't want the yearning and the need. But Matt is truly impossible to say no to. Don't want a date, he doesn't call it a date. Always showing up when she needs him. And the sexy firefighter is not to shabby to look at either. The attraction is palpable. It is inevitable between them.
But things are getting dangerous. He's found her somehow and she can't put anyone she loves in danger. Matt make her feel like anything is possible so for the first time she makes a stand. But will it be too late and cost her everything? Or is the saying true, love does conquer all.

This book was my very first read by Catherine Bybee and I loved every second. Erin had anxiety issues after she left her abusive husband and legally changed her name. She filed for divorce with forgoing anything, found a new place to live, and new friends. She had issues to trust but taking small steps and.a little bit of patience was the right way to learn to trust again. What she hadn't expected was to fall in love with a hot firefighter Matt. She was amazed about the support her friends and Matt were giving her but her worst nightmare just hit the surface....her husband has found her....
Can she finally get away from him?
I just couldn't else than fell in love with Erin and Matt. They were such an amazing pair and their story is just as amazing.

Home to Me is the second book in the Creek Canyon series. It’s the story of Erin (aka Maci) who’s in hiding from her abusive ex-husband, and Matt, a firefighter connected to Erin through friends/family. CW: physical and emotional domestic abuse.

Aaaand, that’s about it. This is a pretty simple story built entirely around Erin’s history of domestic abuse and the risk of her ex locating her. There’s some pretty horrific past abuse described, but Erin’s recovery from it is kind of glossed over. Like, once Erin lets Matt in, their relationship cures her of the trauma, end of story. Matt is a handsome, caring hero who is almost too perfect. I appreciate that it kept the interpersonal conflict non-existent and OBVIOUSLY this woman should be dating an insanely considerate and thoughtful guy, but he has NO flaws and no storyline apart from Erin’s issues.

Lack of depth aside, I finished this book in about a day. Bybee’s writing flows well and the story held my attention.. The friend and family characters were entertaining, and I’d read the next in the series. Overall, it was just an average read which I found neither offensive nor re-readable.

Erin's in hiding from Desmond, her abusive ex. That's why she has more or less retreated from the world- she can't let him find her. Then she meets Matt, a firefighter, who brings light into her life. It takes time for her to open up to him but well, you know it's going to be an HEA because these two are just delightful together. Matt is proactively protective without being condescending or inappropriate- and he's a good guy. I didn't read the first book but this is fine as a standalone (I understand some of the characters were part of the first one). Bybee is sensitive and not exploitative with regard to domestic abuse. She's written nice characters and she's a good storyteller. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Will make you smile.

Trigger Warning: Severe Spousal Abuse
2.5 STARS

This is a book about survival and love. I really liked the thoughtfulness with which the author tackled spousal abuse and recovery. And the romance in this book is equal parts sweet and seriously steamy.

However, the characters in this book are all one-dimensional. Literally, every single one is a caricature of a person with only one quality. Our heroine, Erin, is the tortured victim. The hero is a 100% pure good guy. There is not even one minor flaw in him at all. The best friend is supportive. The hero's little brother is a rascal. I could go on and on.

The only character who ever steps out of their type-cast is the heroine's father who has such a sudden and unrealistic change of heart that it feels fake. You don't act like a total a**hol* for the first 30 years of your daughter's life and then after one come-to-Jesus talk turn into a caring and involved father over the course of 2 days.

Catherine Bybee is a skilled writer, but this one felt phoned in.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first book that I have read by Catherine Bybee and her writing is right up my alley! You just know that any book that has the words "craptastic," "asshat," "f**K" and the sentence "make the Glock her bitch" all in the first chapter is going to be a good one! lol. I found the relationships and dialogue between the characters to be very realistic and honest (I hate when discussions in books among characters seem so forced and unnatural). This is a book about friendship, romance, abusive relationships, and change. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. The only reason I knocked off a star was because the storyline itself wasn't overly original... I read a very similar story by Catherine Anderson "Star Bright," which I thought of while reading "Home to Me." I would definitely recommend this book (great beach, summer vacation read!) and look forward to reading more by Catherine Bybee in the future.

A great sequel to the first book in the series. Erin Fleming knows that if her husband finds her, he will kill her. She is living off the grid, only keeping in touch with her attorney, as she waits for her divorce to become final. Matt Hudson, firefighter, has shown friendship to Erin and she is aware that he wants more, but can she trust another man? As he slowly gets through her defenses, and her attraction to him grows, can they build a life when the threat of her ex hangs over her head? Wonderful family characters with a story line that tugs at the heart. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I thought this author did an incredible job of taking on such a sensitive subject as domestic abuse. I really found myself trying to picture myself in Erin's shoes. How would I feel? What would I have done? It pretty much had me on pins and needles throughout the book.

If you have read the first book in the series, which you don't have to to be able to read this one, you do learn that Erin is in hiding from her ex. Thankfully, there is very minimal scenes with actual abuse in the book. I'm one of those readers that would have found it hard to read in-the-moment scenes like that. However, you do learn some of the things he did to her because this book is her journey to shedding off the victim that she was and learning to become her new self.

One of the great things about this book is the support system Erin had. The only good person from her old life was her sister and seeing her now with the support of Parker and Matt's family, she shined. Matt was more than I expected. The way he took care in his pursuit of Erin showed how unselfish he was and how much he truly put her first. It really showed how much someone can blossom under the right kind of love and care. What a really great message to receive from a story.

Loved this story! Matt was a complete sweetheart that I feel for. He is a strong, sweet, compassionate family man. How he handles and courts Erin is swoon worthy.

Erin has had a tumultuous life. Now she's hiding out in Creek Canyon having rented a guest house in a gated home from Payton and her brothers (will love her story in book 1).

Erin must keep the wonderful people she has found refuge in at arm's length, protecting them from her ex who is very dangerous and ready to harm anyone getting in the way of his plan. She's reinvented herself, but knows to always watch her back in case he finds her.

Payton and Matt's families are warm and welcoming to Erin and soon she's wishing she could relax and enjoy this new life. Just when she thinks it's ok to relax, danger arises. Sweet Matt will do anything to get Erin to come home to him, and so will Erin when she finds her strength.

This was a really interesting, emotional, and exciting read. Loved this book and look forward to more in this series.

Catherine's writing is so smooth and easy to read. I tried to read this book slowly as I didn't want the end to come.

I loved Erin's story. It isn't pretty and it's something that maybe more people would seek help for with the correct support system.

I loved meeting the new characters and spending time with the old.

Erin is dealing with a hidden past she wants to keep that way. Matt has his eyes on Erin but is working at her pace.
Their chemistry is amazing and I really appreciate that Erin is a bada** in her own right. When push comes to shove she learns who she can depend on.

#netgalley

Romantic thriller with good,interesting characters.A familiar theme of domestic abuse,dealt with well and lots of good dialogue.